Parent describes lasting trauma linked to youth crime grooming case
The mother of a local teenager allegedly groomed by Hastings man Aaron Torpy has given an account of her family’s experience to STPL News, describing the impact as “devastating beyond words”.
Torpy was arrested on 18 November and remains on remand. Police allege he groomed and recruited local teenagers, encouraged them to run away from home and take part in criminal activities including vehicle theft, burglaries and drug-related behaviour. The allegations relate to multiple incidents across the Mornington Peninsula, and the matter is scheduled to return to the Frankston Magistrates’ Court for further hearings.
Read story here: Hastings Man Taught Kids to Commit Crime Seeks Bail
The mother, who wants to remain anonymous, contacted STPL News after the recent court hearing. She says the details presented in court were significantly more severe than she had expected.
“Heartbreaking and devastating”
Her son, who lives with intellectual disabilities, has been deeply affected by the alleged offending. She said listening to the court summary left her shocked and overwhelmed.
“It was absolutely heartbreaking and devastating to hear details about the crimes and the way my son was involved. It has absolutely devastated my family beyond words.”
She said her son no longer lives at the family home due to ongoing behavioural issues and trauma.
“My son is no longer able to reside at our family home because of this and the criminal ideology that continues to haunt him.”
The mother said she came forward to STPL News so the community “understands the damage done” and the long-term impact grooming can have on vulnerable young people.
Ongoing trauma and daily challenges
She said the aftermath has been “relentless”. Her son continues to struggle with stability, schooling and daily functioning.
“My boy has been torn from me in such a devastating way. I spend my days crying in disbelief.”
She said she remains concerned about the long-term effects of the alleged grooming on her son and the difficulties he now faces in rebuilding his sense of safety and trust.
Hoping for accountability
She is watching the court process closely, particularly after learning that a co-accused has already been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment in a related matter.
The mother told STPL News she believes a strong sentence would give affected teens a better chance at rehabilitation and provide closure to their families.
Police and prosecutors are continuing to assess elements of the investigation, including victim-impact material. The case will return to court at a future date.
STPL News will continue to follow the case as it progresses.
Your son was clearly troubled and troubled by trauma long before he met Torpy or he wouldn’t have been hanging around other troubled residential care kids! Or was he too is residential care?
Perhaps you need to take accountability yourself and stop trying to sob to the public for your own financial gain! Your son was troubled long before he met Torpy hanging with other troubled teens in residential care! Where did u think he was when the offending was going on? Not home in bed that’s for sure!